Abstract
Breast and prostate cancer are diseases in which steroids and steroid metabolism could markedly influence clinical outcomes for patients. In both malignancies the modification of ketone and hydroxyl groups attached to the steroid backbone (phase one metabolism) has been examined in detail but the conjugation reactions (phase two metabolism) have not been extensively studied. Therefore, in this review we aim to summarize phase two metabolism in breast and prostate cancers from a number of perspectives, including the impact of variation in serum levels of conjugated steroids, tissue, and pathology specific expression of phase two enzymes, and consequences of genetic variations of these conjugation enzymes. In addition to this biological perspective, we will also address current pharmacological efforts to manipulate phase two metabolism as a potential therapy for hormone dependent cancers, including clinical trials of STS inhibitors and preclinical STS inhibitor development. While this review is not intended to cover any one particular area in great technical depth, it is intended as an introduction to and/or update on the importance of variance in phase two metabolic pathways in breast and prostate cancers.
Highlights
Breast and prostate cancers are often characterized by their sex steroid dependence [1]
A common characteristic of both malignancies is that steroidogenic enzymes and receptors have been reported as displaying prognostic significance [2, 3] and the manipulation of steroidogenic pathways is a common mode of endocrine therapy in these cancers [4, 5]
In the case of androgens and estrogens, this moiety corresponds to a sulfate or glucuronide group, giving rise to the naming of the two principle pathways of phase two metabolism in breast and prostate cancers; sulfation and glucuronidation
Summary
Breast and prostate cancers are often characterized by their sex steroid dependence [1]. Phase two steroid metabolism and its roles in breast and prostate cancer patients Keely M. In this review we aim to summarize phase two metabolism in breast and prostate cancers from a number of perspectives, including the impact of variation in serum levels of conjugated steroids, tissue, and pathology specific expression of phase two enzymes, and consequences of genetic variations of these conjugation enzymes.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call